Posted on May, 13, 2025 at 06:12 pm
In Vumale area, a vibrant rural village in Sabatia sub county, agriculture remains the backbone of the community, with families depending on the fertile soils to sustain their livelihoods.
However, as the weather patterns become more erratic and pests like the fall army worm invades, the villagers have been compelled to be innovative to maintain their crops.
Kizito Amukowa, a maize and bean farmer in the area, says he has witnessed a shift in the climate over the years. “The rains used to come on time, but nowadays, we cannot predict when it will start or end. This uncertainty is making farming harder,” Kizito says adding with the interventions he has made, the crops harvest is now reliable and predictable.
Despite these hardships, farmers are showing resilience and creativity and many of them have turned to innovative farming techniques to address the challenges.
One such approach gaining traction in the village is agroforestry, where farmers integrate trees with their crops. “I’ve planted trees alongside my maize to help shade the crops and improve soil fertility,” explains Kizito. “The trees also help with water retention during dry periods,” he adds.
In addition to agroforestry, water conservation has become a priority for the farmers. “We are now using water storage tanks to harvest rainwater and store it for the dry seasons,” says Dorcas Onzere, another farmer. “This has helped in keeping our farms green and productive when the rains are delayed,” he explained.
The farmers have also began practicing mixed farming, which involves planting different crops on the farm for diversification.
“I grow beans alongside my maize. It helps with pest control and ensures that if one crop fails, the other can still provide a yield,” says Amukowa.
The community farmer groups have also become an essential support system, providing training on sustainable farming techniques and collective selling.
“Through our Community Based Organization (CBO), we can access quality seeds and fertilizers at a lower price. It has made a huge difference,” says Onzere.
The community continues to demonstrate that despite the many challenges they face, they are determined to thrive through innovation, collaboration, and embracing sustainable farming practices.
Source: KNA